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View Full Version : Implant surgery not what I thought it would be!


Noah_Skylar
01-10-2005, 07:09 PM
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I had the 1st stage Interstim done on Dec. 7th and was in horrible pain for the first 48 hours. I thought it would never end! :headbang: I wish I had been warned that the stimulation hurts a LOT until your body gets use to it. I woke up from the surgery and did nothing but cry as soon as they turned the machine on. It wouldn't quit shocking me! I tried to walk but everytime I would move my right leg it felt like I was getting electricuted. So I would then double over in pain which hurt the incisions. I couldn't win either way. The nurses had to help me do evrything. They were wonderful!
My doctor and rep said that it would take at least 24 hours for my body to get use to the feeling of the stimulation and then I would barely feel it. I thought for sure they were wrong. I spent many hours cursing myself for ever going through with the surgery! (ha ha) Every time I barely moved my right leg I would immediately pay the price. I was staying with my parents while I recovered because I live on my own and they recommend that you have someone with you for at least the first few days. I had a bad first night. I couldn't walk on my own for a few hours. When I finally could I decided to go change into my pajamas. All I remember is that I had been freezing all day and all of a sudden I got very hot and started actually sweating, then I told my mom that I couldn't see right, everything was blurry. Right after that I fainted. I spent the night in the hospital. Thank God they were right about the stimulation getting more comfortable. :bow: By the next day I could barely feel the stimulation. My second surgery went great! I healed really well. The only problem I have now is getting shocked every now and then but it's worth it. This machine has made a HUGE difference in my life! I HIGHLY recommend it! I just wish I had been prepared for the initial shock! So I figured I'd warn others. It hasn't helped my pain but that wasn't expected anyway. It did exactly what it was made to do. My frequency, urgency, and incontinence has improved 75%! I can actually go on road trips again!!! Sorry this is so long but I just wanted to let others know that even though it's tough at first, it's worth it!
Michelle
P.S. I have a great doc by the way! Anyone who knows Dr. Robert Evans knows what I mean. I have heard him mentioned on here before. I have so much confidence in him. He really cares about his patients. And remember that God will always watch out for His children. ;)

radstudent
01-11-2005, 08:44 AM
I am so sorry that you had such a hard time with your trial. I had my trial done in July 2003 and did not have any trouble at all. I did have to stay in the hospital overnight but that is just protocol here. I can't believe you were getting shocked! I have gotten shocked by my interstim but that was because the lead had moved completely out of my sacrum and was actually about to poke through my skin. It shocked me everytime I moved. I wonder if your lead wasn't in exactly the right place in the very beginning. I am glad that the permanent implant went much better for you. I hope all is well now.

dancemomof2
01-11-2005, 10:10 AM
So sorry to hear this, I went home within an hour after I woke up and programmed, I was offered several program options and required no pain meds after surgery. I even had a 2 hour ride home and was fine. i have had no shocking episodes, leg trouble. The only time I felt bad was when I tried to be super mom with the stomach flu last week. I am so sorry to hear you had such a crummy time.